Maratona dles Dolomites 2027: How to Get Guaranteed Entry
08.10 - 31.12.26
Last updated: 8 October 2026
Quick answer: there are four ways to get a place in the Maratona dles Dolomites on 4 July 2027: the free prize draw (pre-registration 14 October to 10 November 2026), charity entries, special categories, or a guaranteed-entry package from an Official Tour Operator. The package is the only route that does not depend on luck, which matters if you are flying in from North America, Asia or Oceania.
Maratona dles Dolomites 2027: key dates
- Now: guaranteed-entry packages from Official Tour Operators are on sale
- 14 October to 10 November 2026: pre-registration for the prize draw
- Second half of November 2026: prize draw
- 25 November 2026: first 200 charity entries go on sale
- By 10 December 2026: registration payment if you are drawn
- 4 July 2027: race day (40th edition)
What is the Maratona dles Dolomites?
The Maratona dles Dolomites is one of the biggest and most famous gran fondos in the world. In 2027 it celebrates its 40th edition. Around 8,000 amateur riders from more than 70 countries start in the village of La Villa, in the Alta Badia region of the Italian Dolomites, and ride on roads closed to traffic through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
You choose one of three routes on the day:
- Maratona: 138 km (86 miles) with 4,230 m (13,878 ft) of climbing, over seven mountain passes.
- Medio: 106 km (66 miles) with 3,130 m (10,269 ft) of climbing.
- Sellaronda: 55 km (34 miles) with 1,780 m (5,840 ft) of climbing.
How hard is it to get into the Maratona dles Dolomites?
Very hard. The event has 8,000 places, and in 2024 nearly 33,000 cyclists registered. About half of the places are reserved for Italian riders and half for international riders, so you are competing with riders from all over the world for a limited share.
That is why many riders from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Asia choose a guaranteed-entry package instead of leaving a long-haul trip to chance.
The 4 ways to get a place in 2027
1. The prize draw (pre-registration)
Pre-register online at maratona.it between 14 October and 10 November 2026. The draw takes place in the second half of November, and drawn participants receive an email with payment instructions. The first payment must be made by 10 December 2026.
Registration is completed in two phases. After the first payment, you confirm your registration in the spring and provide the mandatory medical certificate. Check the official conditions of entry for riders living outside Italy for the exact rules.
A repechage rule can readmit riders who were pre-registered but not drawn in the previous five editions. Read the conditions of entry to see if it applies to you.
2. Charity entries
The organizers sell a limited number of entries with a surcharge that goes to charitable institutions. The first 200 go on sale at maratona.it on 25 November 2026, after the draw. Demand is high, so be ready on the day.
3. Special categories
Some riders are admitted outside the draw, such as "fidelity members" who have completed at least 15 editions. In 2026, places were also reserved for groups of women who were not drawn. Rules for 2027 are in the conditions of entry.
4. A guaranteed-entry package from an Official Tour Operator
Official Tour Operators receive a share of the starting places and sell them together with accommodation. You know you have a place before you book flights, with no draw involved. Packages usually include a minimum stay of four nights.
Bike Tour Evolution is an Official Tour Operator for 2027. See our Maratona dles Dolomites 2027 guaranteed-entry packages, from €1,850.
Why a package makes sense if you are traveling from far away
For riders in North America, Asia and Oceania, the draw creates a real planning problem. You find out in late November whether you have a place, flights are expensive, and hotels in Alta Badia fill up months ahead. A package solves three things at once:
- Certainty. Your entry is confirmed, so you can book flights and plan your training with confidence.
- A hotel near the start. Your accommodation in Alta Badia is secured at the same time as your race entry.
- Local support. Guided recon rides, race briefings and bib collection are organized for you, so you don't have to work out the logistics in a country where you may not speak the language.
Planning your trip to the Maratona from the USA, Canada, Asia or Australia
Getting there
Venice Marco Polo (VCE) is usually the most convenient airport for Alta Badia, roughly three hours by road. Verona (VRN) and Milan are also options, depending on your flights. Private transfers with bike transport can be arranged.
Arrive early to beat jet lag
Plan to arrive at least four to five days before race day. That gives your body time to adjust to the time difference, and gives you time to ride some of the course. The race starts early in the morning, so a rested body clock matters.
Bring your bike or rent one
You can fly with your own bike or rent a high-end road bike or e-bike locally, set up to your measurements. Renting avoids airline fees and the risk of damage in transit.
Entry rules, medical certificate and insurance
Riders from many countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, can currently visit Italy for short stays without a visa, but rules change, including new European travel authorization systems. Check the requirements for your passport before you book flights. A medical certificate is required to complete your registration, so check the accepted format early. We also recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation.
What to check before you book a package
- Is the operator officially recognized by the Maratona organizers?
- Is entry truly guaranteed, and what happens if you cannot take part?
- What is included? Hotel nights, meals, transfers, guided rides, support vehicles.
- How far is the hotel from the start and finish?
- What are the payment and cancellation terms?
Our Maratona packages answer all five. Check what's included and request your package.
What if you don't get a place?
You can still ride the same roads. Alta Badia runs non-competitive cycling days open to every rider without registration: the Sellaronda Bike Day on 5 June and 11 September 2027, and the Dolomites Bike Day on 19 June 2027.
Frequently asked questions about the Maratona dles Dolomites 2027
When does registration open for the Maratona dles Dolomites 2027?
Pre-registration for the draw runs from 14 October to 10 November 2026. Packages from Official Tour Operators are on sale now.
Can foreigners enter the Maratona dles Dolomites?
Yes. Riders from more than 70 countries take part, and about half of the 8,000 places are reserved for international riders.
How can I guarantee a place in the Maratona dles Dolomites?
The only way to know you have a place before the draw is to book a package with an Official Tour Operator, which combines your entry with accommodation.
How much does it cost to enter the Maratona dles Dolomites?
For 2026, the first payment for drawn participants was €180, made up of a €160 registration fee, a €10 chip deposit and a €10 one-day license. Check the 2027 fee on maratona.it. Packages include entry plus accommodation, and ours start from €1,850.
Which route should I choose?
The Sellaronda (55 km) suits riders who want the atmosphere and the scenery with less climbing. The Medio (106 km) is a strong day out, and the full Maratona (138 km, 4,230 m of climbing) is the full test. You choose your route on the day, so you can decide closer to the race.
How many days should I plan for?
Most packages include four nights. If you are flying from North America, Asia or Oceania, plan five to six days in total, so you have time to recover from jet lag and ride part of the course before race day.
Do I need a medical certificate?
Yes. A medical certificate is a mandatory part of the registration process. Check the format required for riders living outside Italy on maratona.it.
Ride the Maratona dles Dolomites 2027 with Bike Tour Evolution
Bike Tour Evolution is an Official Tour Operator of the Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel 2027. Our packages include guaranteed entry, hand-picked hotels in Alta Badia and guided recon rides, from €1,850. For a premium option, our Signature Experience puts you on the road with former Grand Tour stage winner and Italian national team coach Daniele Bennati.
